WCC NEWS: WCC general secretary offers reflections at Global Tolerance & Human Fraternity Summit in Abu Dhabi

World Council of Churches (WCC) general secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay spoke as part of a panel discussion at the Global Tolerance & Human Fraternity Summit in Abu Dhabi on 6 and 7 February. WCC general secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay addresses participants of the Global Tolerance and Human Fraternity Summit in Abu Dhabi. Photo: @uatolerance 8 February 2023 he theme of the summit was “Connected in our Common Humanity.” Pillay reflected on the theme “Diversity : Acceptance & Understanding.”  Pillay shared that he was deeply impressed with the efforts of the Ministry of Tolerance and Human Fraternity in Abu Dhabi to create peace and good relationships among different religions. “The conference dealt with many practical ways in which religions could work together,” he said. “A special feature is the space created for the Abrahamic Religions to be together in one place. "We look forward to the launching of this project in the near future,” Pillay added. “The WCC has good Interfaith relationships and common work together. We will continue to encourage and sustain these partnerships to help make the world a better place for all creation.” In addition to the panel in which Pillay participated, other panels discussed the importance of a holistic peace and tolerance in relation to planet, faith, and diversity. World Council of Churches general secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay and Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, secretary general of the Higher Committee on Human Fraternity, and secretary-general of the Muslim Council of Elders. Photo: Higher Committee on Human Fraternity Pillay also attended the ceremony of the 2023 Zayed Award for Human Fraternity ceremony on 4 February at the Founders Memorial. The ceremony celebrated the honorees of the fourth edition of the independent global award, which recognizes individuals and organizations around the world working selflessly and tirelessly to bridge divides and foster solidarity among people and communities. The ceremony coincided with the celebration of the UN-recognized International Day of Human Fraternity and the anniversary of the co-signing of the Document on Human Fraternity by His Holiness Pope Francis, head of the Roman Catholic Church, and His Eminence the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Prof. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, on 4 February 2019, under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, president of the United Arab Emirates.  This year’s awards went to the Kenyan activist Shamsa Abubakar Fadhil, and to the Community of Sant’Egidio, a Catholic lay group. Pillay participated in the Panel on Education of Youth and Women and Religion and State Partnerships on 4February as part of the Zayed Awards discussions. World Council of Churches general secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay and His Holiness Swami Brahmavihari Das, Religious Leaders BAPS, Hindu Mandir. Photo: Higher Committee on Human Fraternity WCC general secretary will attend Zayed Award for Human Fraternity ceremony honoring world’s bridge-builders - WCC news release 2 February 2023 Watch a short video of the event The Higher Committee on Human Fraternity See more

The World Council of Churches promotes Christian unity in faith, witness and service for a just and peaceful world. An ecumenical fellowship of churches founded in 1948, today the WCC brings together 352 Protestant, Orthodox, Anglican and other churches representing more than 580 million Christians in over 120 countries, and works cooperatively with the Roman Catholic Church. The WCC general secretary is Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay from the Uniting Presbyterian Church in Southern Africa. Media contact: +41 79 507 6363; www.oikoumene.org/press Our visiting address is: World Council of Churches 150 route de Ferney Geneve 2 1211 Switzerland